Man downs poison after bashing wife, own father over US$38
Deceased torched row with wife after squandering cash on brew, police say
By Staff Reporter
A 32-year-old Harare man on Wednesday committed suicide by taking some poison following a violent domestic confrontation with his wife and father for squandering US$38 on alcohol.
Notice Madondo of Hopley in Harare died a day after taking some Dimethoate insecticide, according to a statement by police spokesperson for Harare province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza.
Chakanza said Madondo had been confronted by his wife for recklessly spending the cash which was meant for paying some school fees for the couple’s child.
“On 10 September 2025 at about 4pm, the deceased took US$38 from his wife, Marvelous Kushe (31), which was meant for their children’s school fees and went on a drinking spree.
“This did not go down well with his wife who questioned her husband about his unwise actions.
“A misunderstanding then ensued and Madondo assaulted his wife.
“She sought counselling from her father-in-law which again did not please her husband resulting in him assaulting his father,” said Inspector Chakanza.
It is then that Madondo immediately went to buy a 100ml Dimethoate insecticide and brought it home.
He threatened to further assault his wife who ran away with the couple’s children and sought refuge at her sister-in-law’s house.
“Madondo proceeded to drink the poisonous pesticide, whilst holding a brick and threatening to assault anyone who would attempt to stop him from drinking it,” said Chakanza, adding that the now deceased consumed the pesticide in the presence of his father and neighbours.
After drinking the pesticide, Madondo threw away the brick. This gave his father and neighbours the opportunity to induce vomiting on him by giving him a lot of water and some fresh milk.
However, they did not take him to hospital.
Madondo passed away outside his house on the following day at around 8 in the morning.
His wife made a report at Southlea Park police station who went on to attend the scene in the presence of CID homicide.
Police found his body lying on the ground facing downwards. No injuries were on the body.
It was conveyed to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem.
No foul play is suspected, police said.
